Category Archives: News

Agnikul, ICEYE Sign Pact for SAR Earth Observation Systems

New Delhi, July 1: Space technology startup Agnikul Cosmos has signed a strategic agreement with ICEYE to jointly develop advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth observation systems, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s space-based imaging capabilities.

The collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of both organisations in developing next-generation SAR technologies capable of delivering high-resolution Earth observation data under all weather conditions, including day and night operations.

The partnership is expected to support applications across sectors such as disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, maritime surveillance, and national security.

Officials said the collaboration aligns with India’s growing focus on expanding indigenous space technologies and building a robust commercial space ecosystem. By combining technological expertise, the two companies aim to accelerate innovation in satellite-based remote sensing solutions.

The agreement also reflects the increasing role of public-private partnerships and international collaborations in advancing India’s space sector and strengthening its Earth observation capabilities for both domestic and global markets.

Bus Fire After Collision on Jaipur–Bandikui Expressway in Dausa

July 1: A passenger bus caught fire following a collision on the Jaipur–Bandikui Expressway in Dausa district, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, leaving several people feared dead.

According to initial reports, at least 25 passengers managed to escape from the burning bus, while others are feared trapped inside.

Fire services and police teams rushed to the spot and are currently carrying out rescue operations. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Further details are awaited as rescue efforts continue.

Govt Revises Windfall Tax on Petroleum Products

New Delhi, July 1: The Government has revised the windfall tax structure on petroleum products, increasing the levy on petrol exports while reducing duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

The updated rates are aimed at balancing domestic fuel supply priorities while responding to evolving global energy market conditions.

Officials said the revision reflects the need to ensure adequate availability of key fuels within the domestic market while maintaining a stable export framework for the energy sector.

The change in tax structure is expected to impact export margins for refiners, particularly in petrol shipments, while offering some relief to diesel and aviation fuel operations.

Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the revision as it may influence refining economics and export strategies in the near term.

The government is expected to continue reviewing the windfall tax mechanism periodically in line with global crude price movements and domestic fuel demand conditions.

UPI Transactions Jump 23 pc in June, Hit 22.72 Billion

New Delhi, July 1: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continued its strong growth trajectory in June, recording a 23% year-on-year increase in transaction volume, which rose to 22.72 billion transactions, according to the latest data.

The surge reflects the continued expansion of digital payments across India, driven by increasing adoption among consumers, merchants, and small businesses. UPI has further strengthened its position as the country’s most widely used real-time payment system.

The growth in transactions highlights the deepening penetration of digital payment infrastructure, particularly in urban as well as semi-urban and rural markets. Higher usage across retail payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and merchant transactions contributed to the overall rise.

Market observers noted that the consistent increase in UPI usage underscores India’s ongoing shift toward a cash-light economy, supported by fintech innovation and improved digital access.

Officials and industry stakeholders expect transaction volumes to maintain upward momentum in the coming months as more services and use-cases continue to integrate with the UPI ecosystem.

Indian Markets Open Higher as Strong Global Cues Lift Investor Sentiment

Mumbai , July 1: Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Tuesday, supported by firm global cues and improved investor sentiment across major sectors.

Benchmark indices started the session in the green, with early gains driven by buying interest in banking, IT, and energy stocks. Broader markets also reflected a stable opening trend as investors tracked positive signals from overseas markets.

Market participants said optimism in global equities, along with easing concerns in key international markets, contributed to the upbeat start. Sentiment was further supported by selective stock-specific buying in heavyweight counters.

Analysts noted that investors are closely watching global economic indicators, crude oil price movements, and upcoming domestic macroeconomic data for further direction in the markets.

Trading activity is expected to remain influenced by global trends and institutional flows throughout the session.

Puri Srimandir Enters Quiet Phase as Holy Trinity Begins Anasara

Following the grand Snana Purnima ritual at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra has entered the traditional Anasara period, a 15-day ceremonial seclusion believed to be the deities’ recovery phase after the sacred bath.

During this period, the deities are kept inside the Anasara Ghara, a restricted chamber within the temple, and are not available for public darshan. Devotees instead offer prayers to Anasara Pata, painted representations of the Holy Trinity.

Sacred Seclusion and Healing Rituals

According to tradition, the deities are considered to be in a state of “divine fever” following the Snana Purnima ritual. During Anasara, exclusive servitors including the Daitapatis perform age-old healing rituals using herbal preparations and sacred offerings.

The sanctum remains in a solemn state, with minimal lighting and restricted ceremonial activities. The idols are adorned only with white cloth and flowers, symbolizing purity and rest.

Pati Dian Darshan During Anasara

Although direct darshan of the deities is restricted, devotees can participate in Pati Dain Darshan, where they worship painted depictions of Lord Jagannath and His siblings. This practice allows devotees to maintain spiritual connection during the seclusion period.

Special arrangements are made in and around the temple premises for devotees to offer prayers and receive blessings through these sacred representations.

Alarnath Puja at Brahmagiri

During the Anasara period, devotees also traditionally visit the Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri, where Lord Jagannath is believed to appear in the form of Lord Alarnath (Ananta).

Thousands of devotees gather at the temple to seek blessings during this phase, as it is believed that Lord Jagannath grants darshan there while remaining in seclusion at Puri. The site becomes a major spiritual center during the 15-day period.

Ritual Healing and Restoration

As per temple tradition, several prescribed rituals and offerings are carried out during Anasara, including herbal treatments and sacred medicinal preparations administered by traditional servitors. These rituals are believed to restore the divine form of the deities.

The seclusion concludes with Nabajouban Darshan, when the deities are re-painted and restored for public viewing ahead of the grand Rath Yatra.

Spiritual Significance

The Anasara period is deeply symbolic in the Jagannath tradition, reflecting themes of rest, renewal, and divine cycles. It also strengthens associated pilgrimage practices such as Pati Dain Darshan and Alarnath Darshan, which together sustain continuous devotion during the temple’s brief closure to the public.

Jharkhand YouTuber Kidnapped, Murdered During Robbery in Sundargarh; Main Accused Dies While Fleeing

Sundargarh, July 1 (UDN): A suspected robbery attempt ended in the murder of a Ranchi-based YouTuber in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, while the alleged mastermind of the crime died in a road accident during an attempt to flee with the victim’s vehicle, police said on Tuesday.

The victim, identified as Shivdhan Lohar of Ranchi, had travelled to Sundargarh along with his friend, Anmol Mallick, to admit a relative to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The two were returning home in separate vehicles late Monday night when they were reportedly targeted by three armed assailants.

According to the police, the miscreants first attempted to stop Mallick’s vehicle, but he managed to escape. They then intercepted Lohar’s car and allegedly forced him into their custody before driving towards the Hemagiri area. During an alleged attempt to rob the victim of his vehicle and valuables, a confrontation reportedly broke out, following which Lohar was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon. His body was later abandoned near a railway overbridge.

After committing the crime, the accused allegedly fled in the victim’s car. However, their escape was cut short near Bhasma when the vehicle met with a major accident. The prime accused, identified as Subhendu, died on the spot, while another suspect sustained serious injuries and was admitted to GMCH, Sundargarh. A juvenile allegedly involved in the incident has also been detained.

Sundargarh Superintendent of Police Amritpal Kaur said the preliminary investigation points to robbery as the motive behind the murder. Police have recovered evidence from the crime scene and are analysing forensic and technical inputs to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The police are also verifying the criminal background of the deceased accused, who is believed to have been involved in an earlier murder case. A detailed investigation is underway to identify the role of each accused and establish all circumstances leading to the crime.

IMD Issues Thunderstorm, Lightning Alert for 14 Odisha Districts

Bhubaneswar, July 1 (UDN): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning for 14 districts of Odisha, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph over the next three hours.

The districts likely to be affected are Angul, Ganjam, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Puri, Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Jajpur, and Cuttack, including Cuttack city.

The weather office has advised residents to remain alert as conditions may change rapidly. People are encouraged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open areas, and take shelter away from tall trees, electric poles, and other vulnerable structures to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.

Motorists should exercise caution while driving, as rainfall may lead to poor visibility and slippery road conditions. Farmers, outdoor workers, and travellers are also advised to monitor local weather updates and postpone non-essential outdoor activities until the weather improves.

Authorities have urged the public to follow safety advisories and remain vigilant throughout the warning period.

Government Says E20 Fuel Still in Experimental Phase

New Delhi, July 1 (UDN): The Central Government has clarified that the use of E20 fuel—a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol—remains in an experimental and transition phase, with efforts underway to assess its long-term performance and compatibility across different vehicle categories.

Representational image

The government said the phased rollout of E20 fuel is aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil, lowering carbon emissions and promoting the use of domestically produced ethanol. Vehicle manufacturers have been encouraged to produce E20-compatible models, while studies on the fuel’s impact on engines, fuel efficiency and emissions continue.

Officials said consumers should use E20 fuel only in vehicles certified or recommended by manufacturers for such blends. The government added that feedback from automakers, fuel retailers and consumers will be considered before wider implementation of the programme.

The E20 initiative forms part of India’s broader strategy to expand the use of biofuels, strengthen energy security and support environmental sustainability.

Abraham Accords, IMEC corridor: 53 local authorities across Northern Israel unite in a historic, unprecedented alliance to shape the region’s future

Against the backdrop of profound regional transformations, driven by the Abraham Accords and the development of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), 53 local authorities in northern Israel have, for the first time, forged an unprecedented regional alliance aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating economic development.

This regional initiative, named the “Next Bay 53-City Alliance,” brings together 53 local authorities stretching from Haifa Bay to the Beit She’an Valley and the Galilee, a strategic geographic, economic and social region home to more than 2 million residents, including Jewish, Arab, Druze, Bedouin, Circassian, Bahá’í, and Ahmadi communities.

The alliance aims to strengthen northern Israel’s position as the country’s gateway to regional connectivity, foster cooperation among local authorities, and leverage the opportunities created by the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to promote economic growth, innovation, job creation, and regional development.

Thanks to its strategic location and infrastructure, northern Israel, including the Port of Haifa, one of the largest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a key logistics hub along the IMEC Corridor. As Israel’s maritime gateway to the region, it represents a major strategic asset for expanding trade and connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Next Bay 53-City Alliance was jointly founded by the Haifa Bay Local Authorities Cluster, the Kinneret Valleys Cluster, the Galilee and Valleys Cluster, the Municipality of Haifa, the Municipality of Beit She’an, and the Emek HaMaayanot Regional Council.

Last Thursday, their respective leaders signed the Alliance’s founding charter. The signing ceremony was followed by a panel discussion featuring senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy, Interior, Energy, Transport, Communications, and Regional Cooperation, focusing on the policy priorities and collaborative actions needed to position northern Israel within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Earlier this month, Frank Melloul was appointed Ambassador of the Next Bay 53-City Alliance to help raise the Alliance’s international profile and promote its vision and objectives on the global stage.

David Even Tzur, Chairman of the Haifa Bay Local Authorities Cluster and Mayor of Kiryat Yam, said: “Haifa Bay and northern Israel are home to a unique human mosaic. By bringing our local authorities together, we will be better positioned to seize the opportunities created by the Abraham Accords and the IMEC Corridor, driving economic growth, innovation, and regional development. The potential is tremendous.”

Munir Zbeidat, Head of the Basmat Tivon Local Council and Chairman of the Forum of Bedouin Local Authorities in Northern Israel, said: “The Arab, Bedouin, and Circassian communities are committed to being an integral part of the regional vision advanced by the Forum of 53 Local Authorities. We want to be full partners in this initiative, contributing to its economic development momentum and working together to create jobs, foster growth, and expand opportunities for all residents of northern Israel.”

Yaakov Peretz, Mayor of Kiryat Ata, said: “The IMEC Corridor is a powerful example of the strategic opportunities emerging for our region, reinforcing northern Israel’s position as a major engine of growth for the country. This initiative has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs, strengthen economic resilience, attract new investment, and accelerate regional development for the benefit of all residents of northern Israel.”

Yona Yahav, Mayor of Haifa, said: “The IMEC Corridor is far more than an infrastructure and transport project. It is a strategic opportunity to create high-quality jobs, attract international investment, strengthen the local economy, and improve the quality of life for millions of people. As Israel’s leading northern metropolis, Haifa is proud to play a central role in this initiative.
For decades, Haifa—and the wider region—has served as Israel’s gateway to the world: a port city, a center of trade, research, industry, innovation, and multiculturalism.”

Shlomit Shihor Reichman, Vice Chair of the Galilee and Valleys Cluster and Head of the Emek Yizreel Regional Council, said: “The IMEC initiative is far more than an economic or transport corridor. It is a regional opportunity to strengthen partnerships, advance infrastructure, innovation, employment, and tourism, and create new engines of growth for the benefit of the region’s residents. Broad cooperation among local authorities and partners across sectors is the key to unlocking this potential.”